Commanders to host All-American offensive tackle on visit

[ASFN Admin]

The Washington Commanders understood they had to improve the offensive line in front of superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason. General manager Adam Peters made one big move, acquiring five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans. The move allowed Washington to move last year's starter, Brandon Coleman, to right tackle, improving two positions with one move.

While Washington's starting lineup appears set, the Commanders aren't done looking for help in the trenches. Over the past week, Washington signed a pair of younger veterans (G Nate Herbig and T Foster Sarell), while continuing to meet with prospects in next month's 2025 NFL draft.

According to James Crepea of The Oregonian, Oregon Ducks offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. had a formal meeting with the Commanders at the NFL combine. Washington wasn't done with Conerly, though, and scheduled a top 30 visit with Conerly at the team's facility in Ashburn, Virginia.

Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr. has top 30 visits scheduled with Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles & Washington Commanders, per league source.
Texans & Commanders among Conerly's 12 formal meetings @ NFL Combine

— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) March 19, 2025

There's a lot of interest in Conerly. If the Philadelphia Eagles are interested enough to bring Conerly on a top 30 visit, that says enough. It's also notable that the Texans are bringing Conerly in after trading Tunsil.

The 6-foot-5, 311-pound Conerly played in 41 games in three seasons with the Ducks. A top recruit out of high school, Conerly played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2022, making one start, often entering games when Oregon used an extra offensive lineman in jumbo packages. Conerly started all 14 games at left tackle in each of his final two seasons, earning All-American and All-Big Ten honors last season.

Here's what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com said about Conerly as a prospect:

Two-year starter whose in-season improvement and performance against Penn State’s Abdul Carter make it easier to project his future. Conerly is proportionally built but lacks ideal play strength. He strains at the point of attack but needs to get his hips and hands synced to improve as a finisher. He moves easily in space and gets to his angles to help spring the run. Conerly sets with smooth slides and ready hands but gets caught over-setting. He has anchor troubles against power that might be challenging to correct. He sees twists and blitzes developing and recovers with athleticism when beaten. Conerly is young and needs more development, but he should become a good starter at tackle or guard.

It's good to see Peters isn't done evaluating offensive linemen. The Commanders must continue to add young players on that offensive line over the next several years to grow with Daniels. Tunsil will be 31 next season and Andrew Wylie is also over 30. Right guard Sam Cosmi, center Tyler Biadasz and Coleman are all 27 or younger.

Even if Conerly sat for a season, it's an ideal situation for him. Washington could groom him as the future left tackle, choosing not to renegotiate Tunsil's deal past the next two seasons, or play Conerly at right tackle and moving Coleman to left guard.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders bringing in All-American OT for a top 30 visit

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